Acenda completes future group executive team

The executive leadership team of Acenda Group, the life insurance business to result from Nippon Life’s acquisition of Resolution Life and its merger with Acenda as of later this month, has been finalised.

Following months of appointment announcements, including Chris de Bruin as group chief executive, Yvonne Le Bas as Group Chief Financial Officer and Karen Malzard as Group Chief Risk Officer, the eventual Acenda Group has now confirmed the remaining members of its leadership team.

Joining de Bruin, Le Bas and Malzard are:

• Sean McCormack as Group Chief Commercial Officer,
• Andrew Beevors as Group Claims and Innovation Officer,
• Lisa Hayes as Group General Counsel,
• Peter Histon as Group Chief Information Officer,
• John Lucey as Group Chief Investment Officer,
• Grant Willis, who will remain CEO of Asteron Life in New Zealand,
• Jane Murray, who will continue as Chief Operating Officer for Acenda Life, and
• Nupur Bhushan as Interim Group Chief People Officer.

Bhushan will remain in the role until the firm finalises its recruitment search.

de Bruin also confirmed the leadership team’s responsibilities will commence once the Nippon Life transaction is complete.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of these highly experienced executives to our future leadership team,” he said.

“These appointments will be instrumental in leading the formation of the Acenda Group, as we aim to build a bigger, more dynamic business focused on growth, innovation and exceptional customer outcomes.

“The appointment of our new Group Chief Commercial Officer, Sean McCormack, is central to our strategy ensuring we position the business to capture growth by maximising our product and distribution capabilities.

“Together, our new leaders unite strong operational expertise, deep customer understanding, and strategic insight that will help drive our growth ambitions and transform how we support our customers and partners.”